Generally I get along with all kinds of persons well. Of course with some a smalltalk quickly evolves into a discussion on principles while with others it sticks to mutual gentle behaviour. I guess most people will share this experience.

However, I have to criticise a development here since I started with couchsurfing: With increasing frequency I stumble over CS profiles that are not conform with my idea of this network. They state that the host is not a hotel company and expect the surfer to become kind of the host's temporary best friend, which is in my opinion not what this platform is about.

By all means, the social aspect of sharing experiences, culture, language, cuisine etc. or just have a nice conversation with other CSers is a central component of the network. Anyway, basically this platform's purpose is to equally provide international travellers with free access to information and a place to sleep / get organized. By that it facilitates the smooth discovery of all a city and its culture has to offer, especially diving into the "local life" in contrast to the superficial "all-inclusive-hotel-tourist-program".

Who takes from the network by surfing should also give something back by hosting.

The real Couchsurfing feels like visiting friends abroad although they had been complete strangers before.

Another point I have to criticise is that some of my reviews have disappeared since the verified system has been introduced. I couchsurfed and hosted for some time now, although not entirely through this platform and have been offered many many increadibe experiences by that. I'd say 95% of the time CS & Hitchhiking is by far the most awesome way to experience the world.

PHILOSOPHY

Always treat other ones the way you want to be treated. I don't necessarily believe in karma but it makes the world a much more livable place.

Every Human should be given the same opportunities, no matter where or to whom he/she is born.

There is no child born as a bad person, the way people grow up in society forms their behaviour.

Apart from all economic logic our planet has a finite capability of providing us with goods. The standard western way of consumption is not sustainable and requires a large proportion of the population of the rest of the world to live in poorer conditions. You actually don't need much stuff for a great life, and the less stuff you actually have (to take care of), the more free you are. All good stuff like experiences or a nice avocado hanging on a tree is provided for free by mama planet anyway.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Like most ppl on CS I like to travel a lot. Especially by hitchhiking and couchsurfing as you get to know local people and the stories they have to tell. For me, a 2-week-holiday in an all-inclusive hotel has as much appeal as sitting lonely in the rain slurping a salty cocktail.. IN WINTER. Really, traveling involves getting to know the local way of living, the culture, the spots where to hang out when you're not a tourist, etc. Otherwise you have not really been there from my point of view.

I'm happy to spontanously show people around the city and help them gaining orientation and so on... actually not as actively on CS-platform as in everyday life.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I was couchsurfing a lot during my travels within australia, allthough that was not via this website.
Also I couchsurfed through my new hometown Bamberg for 2 months, before I could find a permanent place to stay (including a 2 week stay in a church ;D ).

Also I've done a hitch-hiking trip from here to Budapest, that became really amazing not last by the CS hosts i met on the journey.

Other various shorter CS experiences including both, hosting & surfing.

I'd say I had roughly 90% positive encounters while couchsurfing, hosting, ridesharing etc.

Interests

• culture
• performing arts
• cocktails
• traveling
• hiking
• surfing
• logic
• hitchhiking

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Getting totally lost in Shanghai Pudong

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Germany, Hungary